One of the most fascinating creatures of German mythology and folklore is the Kobold. Elusive and canny, Kobolds are house spirits, ship or mine spirits who appear in a wide array of shapes and temperaments.
They can be any gender. Traditionally the house kobold manifests as female or androgynous, while mine and shipboard kobolds have male characteristics. Kobolds can appear as small humans, elves, hobgoblins, hybrids, fire, weather phenomena or animals.
In anthropomorphic forms they may wear clothes or are covered in fine hair. They're often compared to goblins especially in mines. Mine kobolds are notably nasty, corrupting good metals and refusing to give any back. They don't care for the company of humans.
For instance Cupfernickel (copper nickel) or Nickel turns good copper bad. Nickel means "little Nick" in German, a reference to a mischievous imp or little devil. Mine kobolds also have a benevolent aspect. They can reveal precious ores or warn of potential disasters.
In the home, even the kindest Kobold has a nasty streak if treated with disrespect, which includes forgetting to feed it. Keeping the Kobold happy results in a fortunate household. Meals taste better, the air is fresh, the hearth neatly swept.
Although the Kobold is rarely seen, activities might be noticed; for example, the faint sound of a broom in the kitchen, sounds of humming or singing. It can appear in the rattle of chain or favorable wind on a ship, a vein of gold revealed for the miners, or ore corrupted.
Kobolds can warn of danger and communicate through scent. A charred smell can alert a person to possible fire hazards; or maybe the pie is burning. A Kobold enjoys harmony and gives gifts when pleased. If a pleasant aroma lingers on the air, it's a sign of good luck.
In mines, the smell of sulfur is traditionally considered a warning. Sulfur has toxic properties when breathed in high amounts. It can signal a vent somewhere nearby or even underground water, both associated with netherworld depths in legend.
Sweet milk is a favorite of many Faerie creatures and, having elfin associations, the Kobold is no exception. A spoon of honey in a glass of milk is ambrosia to this spirit. It's also common to give the Kobold part of the homeowner's meal.
On ships, the Kobold enjoys a drink of rum. Ship Kobolds may hum or whistle. They can be seen as green flame. If upset, this Kobold responds by spoiling the ship's grain supply or calling up a storm. Usually, these Kobolds are helpful and easily pleased with sea shanties.
The mine Kobold will partake of the same food as the miners, though this is more a bribe for good behavior. The metals nickel and cobalt are both associated with mine spirits. Germans pronounce the "d" at end of a word as close to English "t", hence cobalt.
An unhappy Kobold is wrathful and will pee in milk to turn it bad. S/he can spoil food, start fires, cause accidents or sickness and undo all work done during the day. Powerful Kobolds can control the weather. But if these spirits are happy, the world is a better place.
In the 18th century one European lord claims to receive advice from his Kobold. He gives the spirit the utmost honor, even a bedchamber of its own and the best of fine foods. Kobolds of all kinds value independence but if they find an amiable home, they will stay for many years.
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